Planned Air Cargo Facility Project Set For July Groundbreaking

A $32 million construction project at Lakeland-Linder International Airport (KLAL) in central Florida that will bring a new international air cargo business to the airport is set to begin in July and could result in as many as 400 new aviation-related jobs coming to the region.

Airport director Gene Conrad told The Lakeland Ledger that completion of the first phase of the new 42-acre air cargo facility could attract MRO businesses to the airport to service large jets. He said there are "several opportunities" that are being pursued at the present time.

KLAL became an international airport when the U.S. Customs Office opened at the airport. The new cargo facility will expand that operation to include international freight.

The first phase of the project will cost some $13 million. It will include construction of a ramp for hangar and cargo space, installation of utilities and wetlands mitigation.

Sean Malott, head of the Central Florida Development Council joined Conrad at a meeting last week of the Polk County, FL commission. Malott said after the meeting that of the 400 jobs that are expected to be created by the new facilities, 250 would be above the median income for the county.

FMI: Original report